Tag Archives: Henry Kissinger

I woke up to the song ‘Hair’ this morning (Feb. 29, 2012) famously from the musical of the same name and was immediately transported to the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto in December 1969. I can actually feel the ermine, the butterflies and the tingles plus a bit of a blush. What, you don’t remember any of that from the show? Well, let me explain.

In 1969 I was a tiny wee slip of a girl who although a bride of a few months remained pretty virginal in several ways of the world. Hair has been called The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. It was quite revolutionary at the time with its clear anti-war, pro-drug, complete integration and freedom of sex message.

Now the ermine was a coat I wore. My then sister-in-law Lynne had inherited an ermine coat from an aunt. The aunt was quite short and for her was knee length but on us fit perfectly in the miniskirt fashion of the day. We dressed up for the Royal Alex (in those days everyone did) and I encouraged her to wear the coat but she could not as her husband forbade her to wear it for fear someone they knew would see her and think they had more money than he let on to the public. (I never noticed it in him but I guess he was one of those, ‘I’m so poor’ people. To what end I am not sure) however…… so I wore the treasure and sat watching the show as I stroked the sleeves and thought..hmmm I was meant to wear ermine.

While many of the critics embraced the revolutionary play it was protested by church groups in Indiana where the issue was not the depravity of the message but the nude scene and city authorities suggested the cast wear body stockings. Many theatres were closed rather than present the musical. It was given some dignity by the presence of power. Princess Anne who was eighteen at the time was seen dancing on stage and in Washington Henry Kissinger attended.

Hair has been quoted as being responsible for the end of censorship worldwide. Much has been written on its social, cultural and legal impact but on that evening it was just two young ladies stepping out in high fashion to enjoy great music and shocking story and scenes. This was the very first live production for me and of course I purchased the LP (long playing record for those who…uh never mind), and I am sure that to this very day I can sing most of the lyrics.

So when ‘Hair’ rocked me from the sleepy saddle of slumber this morning, for a few moments there, time travel did exist.

She asks me why, I’m just a hairy guy
I’m hairy noon and night, hair that’s a fright
I’m hairy high and low, don’t ask me why, don’t know
It’s not for lack of bread, like the Greatful Dead, darlin’

Let it fly in the breeze and get caught in the trees
Give a home to the fleas, in my hair
A home for fleas, a hive for the buzzing bees
A nest for birds, there ain’t no words
For the beauty, splendor, the wonder of my hair